ORMOC CITY – Engr. Jaime A. Pacanan, Regional Director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), advised the district engineers under him not to be disheartened by the controversies hounding the agency’s leadership.
Pacanan was referring to the sacking this week of Secretary Florante Soriquez who was replaced by National Secretary Adviser Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.
According to Engr. Pacanan, while the issues of concern raised against Ebdane may valid, he said only the President can decide on the organization’s leadership.
As if to cheer up his subordinates who are affected by the controversy, he explained that issues and conflicts confronting an organization as in the case of DPWH is a sign that the organization is active.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo removed Soriquez from the DPWH top post the other day or two days after Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza accused him in a privilege speech of extorting monthly kickbacks from regional directors and district engineers that already reached P210 million.
The sacked secretary denied the charges and the President has ordered the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission to conduct a probe on the accusation.
“Let us not be disturbed by the ongoing problem at the top (central office),” Engr. Pacanan encouraged his subordinates. He adds: “Ang importante tayo dito sa baba we work as a team and that we have goals and aspirations”.
